Director of Manufacturing Operations

Summary: Our client, a pharmaceutical organization, is seeking an experienced manufacturing leader to oversee a complex, 24/7 operation spanning aseptic production and packaging. This individual will lead manufacturing teams, ensure reliable product supply and GMP compliance, drive operational improvements, and support site growth and capacity expansion. Duties / Expectations of RoleLead manufacturing operations across aseptic bulking, filling, and packaging, overseeing managers, supervisors, and large production teams. Improve operational performance, including overall equipment effectiveness (OEE), equipment reliability, manufacturing efficiency, and schedule attainment. Lead complex investigations, root cause analysis, and deviation reduction efforts. Maintain FDA inspection readiness and support regulatory and customer audits. Partner with Quality, Supply Chain, Engineering, Maintenance, and Technical Operations to resolve issues and meet production goals. Support manufacturing scale-up, capacity expansion, and continuous improvement initiatives. Develop management teams through coaching, clear expectations, and accountability. Balance daily operational needs with long-term planning while promoting safety, quality, compliance, and employee engagement.

Mandatory Requirements: Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Life Sciences, or a related technical discipline.10+ years of pharmaceutical manufacturing experience, including extensive GMP and aseptic manufacturing experience. Demonstrated experience leading managers, supervisors, and large manufacturing teams. Strong technical knowledge of manufacturing equipment and complex production processes. Experience managing investigations, deviations, corrective and preventive actions (CAPAs), and compliance activities. Experience supporting FDA inspections and regulatory audits. Proven ability to lead in a fast-paced manufacturing environment. Strong leadership, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills. Ability to work fully onsite and support a 24/7 manufacturing operation.

Preferred Qualifications: Director- or Senior Director-level manufacturing leadership experience. Sterile injectable, aseptic filling, and packaging operations experience. Engineering background with equipment troubleshooting expertise. Experience with Lean Manufacturing, continuous improvement, or operational excellence. Manufacturing scale-up, facility expansion, or automation implementation experience. Experience leading highly manual, technically complex manufacturing operations.

Term & Start: Immediate need; fully onsite. Contract, contract-to-hire, or direct hire arrangements considered. Potential long-term leadership opportunity based on organizational needs and candidate fit.